Rep. Dan Kildee's (MI-08) decision not to seek reelection in 2024 means there won't be a member of the Kildee family on the Flint ballot for the first time since 1962. It's also a significant blow to Democrats, because the populist Kildee had proven appeal in a blue-collar district that's trended right. In 2022, Kildee won reelection by 10 points, outpacing President Biden's two point margin over Donald Trump here in 2020.
Last cycle, Kildee raised $5.6 million and shredded GOP nominee Paul Junge as an elitist carpetbagger. This cycle, Kildee had been gearing up for a potentially tougher challenge even while overcoming squamous cell carcinoma before changing his mind.
Prior to Kildee's exit, Republicans had recruited former Army trauma surgeon Martin Blank to challenge the incumbent. Blank retired from the Army after 23 years, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and became a Saginaw police officer. Blank grew up in the Detroit area, but has a much deeper resume in the 8th District than Junge. However, an open seat scenario is likely to attract more Republicans to file for
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